SWEDISH DESIGN - TOP IN EUROPE

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Swedish interior workspace company Kinnarps is now a long way ahead of its competitors in Europe when it comes to office furniture. This is revealed by statistics newly released by FEMB (Fédération Européenne du Mobilier de Bureau). The company achieved first place in the top 100 European Office Furniture Companies list in September 2012.

For Kinnarps CEO Per-Arne Andersson, the top ranking is naturally clear proof that the major improvement work carried out within the Group has borne fruit: “The furniture industry is extremely challenging not least in times of financial uncertainty.”

However, Per-Arne Andersson is the first to admit that an international top ranking does not in any way guarantee a record-breaking financial statement. “Even though we have achieved major sales success, one has to remember that we have accrued large restructuring costs in the past 12 months. I see it as a promising sign that we have managed so well under current circumstances.”

He continues: “Kinnarps is represented in some 40 countries and all employees have contributed to this successful result. During the past year we have conducted rewarding discussions with our employees and have applied our joint forces within an integrated perspective. It’s clear to everyone that a lot has happened within the Group in a short period of time. However I am personally convinced that Kinnarps is better equipped to tackle the future than ever before!” concludes Kinnarps CEO Per-Arne Andersson.

KINNARPS AB Kinnarps creates furniture and interior designs solutions which through traditional craftsmanship, design and total ergonomics have a positive impact on people, and this despite why, how and where we work, study and socialise. Kinnarps is based in Sweden and was founded in 1942 by Jarl and Evy Andersson. The company has always had a strong tradition within innovative design. From the outset, it mainly manufactured furniture for instance to meet a demand from architects. Today, Kinnarps is a global interior design group which offers innovative and inspirational total solutions. With total control over the entire chain from raw materials and production to deliveries and installation, Kinnarps offers top quality products and concepts which have low impact on the environment. Kinnarps extensive product range is designed for public environments, with a focus on offices, schools, hospitals and healthcare facilities, which not only guarantees a high level of flexibility but also freedom of choice and cost efficiency for our customers. Kinnarps’ product development department works in close collaboration with internationally renowned designers and the products have won a large number of design awards. The Kinnarps portfolio contains the Kinnarps, drabert and MARTINSTOLL brands. In addition, Kinnarps can also offer a large supplementary range of products, partly from the company’s sister companies Materia, Skandiform and NC and partly from a number of renowned partners. Kinnarps is one of the largest supplier of interior design solutions in Europe and is represented insome 40 countries. The company has about 2,700 employees and its turnover in 2010/2011 totalled SEK 4.2 billion. The Group conducts progressive and in-depth work to improve the environment and complies with the leading eco-labelling demands. Kinnarps is also certified in accordance with ISO 9001 and 14001.